Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, the author of this book. 2 Elder Joseph the Hesychast (1899-1959) is one of the most remarkable Athonite ascetics of the twentieth century, truly "one of the ancients" in his way of life and in the grace-filled gifts that the Lord vouchsafed him. (For more information on the life of Elder Joseph and his brotherhood, see: Elder Joseph of Athos.

Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, 1998; Monk Joseph. Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, 2000; Monk Joseph Dionysiatis. Elder Arsenius the Cave-Native, an associate of Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Moscow, 2002.) In this edition, as a sign of special respect for his memory, we, according to the already established tradition, when talking about him, write the word "Elder" with a capital letter. 3 Schema-monk Paisios (Eznepidis, 1924–1994)

is the most famous of the modern elders of the Holy Mountain. Generously endowed by God with various spiritual gifts, over a long period of time he instructed and comforted in the multitude of people who came to him for advice and help.   The introduction of many false and satanic teachings leads modern materialistic man to despondency and indecision.

In our times, a word about repentance is needed – a perfect and obligatory means for the salvation of a lost sinner. Behold, now is the time of favor, behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). In this book we attempt to describe the spiritual experience of our venerable father and brother Ephraim of Katunaki. However, here is only what we have noticed, because the path of a truly spiritual person is made in secret, and only certain signs, rays and shadows are available to us, so that we can comprehend the greatness of his life in Christ.

We, who have been with him for a long time, offer him as a living example by which all objecting lips are shut and condemned by the whole corrupt world. We describe a genuine and practical understanding of repentance. That repentance which changed fallen and lost man and called him to his original dignity in the image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26).

That repentance which again led to the adoption of those who, through their right lives, accepted Christ and to whom He gave the power to become children of God (John 1:12). Father Ephraim's children, members of his brotherhood, have already published a well-published biography of their elder and his words.2 We humbly bring to our readers our experience of contact with our spiritual brother, describing him as we have been given to know him, as we have seen him in life, and as our hands have touched him (1 John 1:1).

We present the image of the venerable elder and his teaching, first of all, through the prism of the relationship that developed between him and our brotherhood.3 That in his life, which we witnessed, was the experience of true repentance, the repentance in which the essence and goal of the patristic tradition is. The personality of the elder – repentance incarnate – resolves the doubts and hesitations that spiritually slumbering people put forward as a pretext for self-justification – resolves them, showing that it is not "in the time of it", but today and now, that the Lord's promise that He is with us4 is being fulfilled4 and, consequently, that He is absolutely faithful in all His words5 and gives Divine grace and blessing to everyone who asks6 who wishes to follow and become like Him. --- 1) From R.: Rom. 3, 19. 2)

Translated into Russian: Elder Ephraim of Katunaki. Moscow, Russkii khronograf Publ., 2002. 3) With the brotherhood of the blessed elder Joseph the Hesychast, of which the author of this book was a member. 4) From the r.: Matt.: 28, 20. 5) P p. 144, 13. 6) Cf. Matt. 7, 8.   In his right intention to fulfill the destiny of man, determined by the laws of Divine Revelation, possessing special purity – spiritual and bodily – he gave himself over with all his soul to the blessed novice obedience and cut the fetters of the innumerable justifications of the old man.

Soaring on the wings of true obedience, which was accompanied by self-denial and diligence, he soon tasted the sweetness of grace and increased his faith in the all-saving Providence of Christ. In this way he made powerless the devil's tricks and snares, especially those that stumble at the novices. This was followed by the second blessing of God – an acquaintance with Elder Joseph the Hesychast, his spiritual father, who traced the unerring path of repentance and true self-absorption, with his fatherly prayers and blessing confirmed him in the faithful march along the path of sincere and genuine obedience, which he taught constantly.

Verily, blessed is the obedience that breaks the members and compositions of the old man, the captive of the sinful law.1 Very early the young Ephraim kissed his obedience, and in his youth he showed the wisdom of an old man. He laid the good foundation of his life – the patristic tradition, and this did not hesitate to bear fruit: practical work successfully achieved its goal.

When at first the earthly members2 were mortified by absolute self-denial and diligence in podvig, which was the attainment of a mind that preserves sobriety, then grace was subordinated to the mind, according to patristic terminology, and the lawful ascetic (cf. 2 Tim. 2:5) attained contemplation, which is aided by Divine enlightenment. Enlightened by the Spirit, he entered into the knowledge of the Divine mysteries and, in accordance with the prophecy of his spiritual father, ascended the ladder of Divine ascent to sanctification, the summit of the Divine promises about the fulfillment of human destiny.

We will describe a few of his personal gifts that were clearly manifested during our communication. The gift of foresight and clairvoyance of Elder Ephraim was well known to people who were in close contact with him, and it is impossible to give all the evidence of this here. He knew the past and the present in detail and predicted the future, causing amazement in those to whom he revealed the innermost of their hearts.

The noble fighter of the spirit did not cease to help his visitors and strengthen them until old age. He ended his stay here with a full witness to his life as a monk, with a full awareness of his calling by the Lord. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28); and, "Where I am, there shall My servant be" (John 12:26).  --- 1) See: Rom. 7, 23. 2) Kol. 3, 5.

  Chapter One From Thebes to the Hesychastiry of the 1st Monk Ephraim on Katunaki He was born in the village of Ambelochori near Thebes in 1912. His father's name was John (Giannis) Papanikita, and his mother's name was Victoria. In addition to him, there were three more children in the family. His grandfather, Father Nikita, was a village priest. The elder's family was deeply Christian.